Exergy Tour: A New 5-Day UCI Stage Race For Women In Idaho

Great news for women cycling and for cycling overall today, the announcement of a new international ladies pro-cycling race in Idaho, scheduled for May 24-28, 2012 and is titled the Exergy Tour.

According to the press release, the race is expected to become one of the most significant international pro-cycling events on the ladies pro cycling calendar, and shall set unparalleled standards for gender parity and opportunity in the sport for women.

“The Exergy Tour shall showcase the power and excitement of women’s professional cycling and its growing influence globally, while working at all levels to engage our communities in teaching young girls the benefits that individual and team sports competition can bring throughout their lives,” said James Carkulis, CEO, Exergy Development Group. “Our vision with the Exergy Tour is to communicate this global message and align with relevant organizations dedicated to advancing self confidence, self-esteem and overall well-being of girls and women through physical activity.”

The world’s top women cyclists and teams are expected to compete, with the Exergy Tour positioned on the race calendar as one of the last to provide international ranking points crucial in qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games. The five-day race shall include alpine, high desert and sprint stages highlighting the splendor of Idaho and its welcoming communities. Based on success, the Exergy Tour shall grow quickly to a seven-stage event over eight days of high performance racing, as well as incorporate other stage venues throughout Idaho.

Current plans for the inaugural year shall showcase Idaho’s capitol and the surrounding Treasure Valley. The city of Boise shall play an anchor role in this inaugural year, with other host city locations to be announced in early 2012.

The Exergy Tour is sanctioned by USA Cycling and shall be the only ladies race in North America with a 2.1 designation by the International Cycling Union (UCI). With this race, a good block of UCI racing is now possible for women, starting with the two 1.2 races in Canada, the Chrono Gatineau on May 17 and the Grand Prix cycliste de Gatineau in May 19 followed by the 1.2 Liberty Classic on June 3, 2012.

Medalist Sports will oversee the competition and technical production of the Exergy Tour, as well as the development of the local organizing committees in each start and finish venue. Medalist also is the event management arm for the Amgen Tour of California, USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado and the Tour of Utah. H2 BrandWorks, a Boise-based sports marketing and brand strategy company, has been contracted to manage overall marketing, communications, event and title sponsor support for the Exergy Tour.